Lime Noodles with Vegetables, Basil, and Sesame

Ingredients

• •1¼ cups neutral oil
• •10 cloves garlic
• •¾ cup fresh lime juice
• •½ cup sugar
• •2 cups fresh basil leaves
• •1½ cups fresh mint leaves
• •¾ cup white sesame seeds
• •1 tablespoon salt
• •½ pound assorted vegetables
• •1 pound dried rice noodles
• •½ cup unsalted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   1. Put 3 tablespoons of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally,until the garlic turns golden, about 10 minutes; set aside.

   10 min

2. 2.

   2. Meanwhile, combine the lime juice and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Set aside.

   5 min

3. 3.

   3. Fill a large bowl with water and ice and set aside.

   2 min

4. 4.

   Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the basil and mint leaves. As soon as the water returns to a boil, drain the leaves and transfer to the ice water. When cold, drain again and squeeze dry. Purée in a blender with the sesame seeds, garlic, salt, and 1 cup of the oil. (This herb paste will keep, refrigerated, for 2 days.)

   15 min

5. 5.

   4. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the vegetables and some salt and cook, tossing, just until brightly colored. Keep warm.

   5 min

6. 6.

   5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Cook the noodles until tender, 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a large skillet set over high heat with the butter and lime syrup; add salt to taste and cook, tossing, until well mixed and creamy. Put the noodles in a warmed serving bowl; drizzle liberally with the basil-mint paste, top with the vegetables, garnish with the sesame seeds, and serve.

   10 min